Principal
The amazing conclusion to the World Cup cricket final and the prolonged Wimbledon tennis final provided much commentary at the start of the week. As outstanding as both these events were they pale into insignificance as achievements of global proportions when we consider what was achieved 50 years ago by the Apollo 11 space mission. It is arguably humankind’s greatest achievement. The 50th anniversary has enabled society to celebrate and recall the story of this monumental achievement in a variety of ways.
I am of an age that I can recall sitting as a primary student at St Elizabeth’s Convent in Tarragindi and watching a small black and white television (perhaps the only one at the school) along with a few hundred other students. It was the event that stopped the world as people were transfixed by what we were seeing. What I wasn’t aware of at that time was the speech made by the US President John F Kennedy in 1961 that set the vision for his nation to follow. It has been captured along with the space mission in an inspiring clip on Youtube. History has acknowledged Kennedy’s speech as one of the most significant ever delivered because of the way it shaped the world in the years that followed. For those who might be interested in the full speech it is also available online.
At Tuesday’s Assembly I used the clip to make points about ambition, setting goals and having to make hard choices and sacrifice. This theme of being ambitious is one that I have emphasised at various times throughout the year. I have encouraged the boys to set goals, to dream big and to always strive to stretch themselves beyond what they think they are capable of achieving. This applies to all dimensions of College life as well as their development as young people. In sharing these thoughts on Tuesday, it was to set the scene for the term ahead and to ensure that we make this second semester a successful one.
Also on Tuesday, I reminded the boys that Monday to Friday, from the first period of the day until the last, is always the main game at Nudgee College. With much attention on sport this term, and rugby in particular, it is important that we do not overemphasise its importance and that collectively we are prioritising academic endeavour and commitment to studies. If collectively as students, staff and parents we get Monday to Friday right then Saturday activities will be even more enjoyable for everyone involved. It was pleasing to hear College Captain Hayden Bygott’s own address on Tuesday focussed on this key message also.
A highlight of Tuesday’s Assembly was the presentation of the Mid Year Prefects. These Year 12s were acknowledged for their leadership as Seniors that they have displayed throughout the year in various dimensions of College life. The awarding of Mid Year Prefects is not common practice in many schools but is one that is highly valued at Nudgee College. Often, these young men have overcome the disappointment of missing election and selection in Term 4 of Year 11 and displayed standout qualities of resilience and commitment. Congratulations to Sam Mills, Eyzaiah Ulia, Dean Kenny, Henry Kennedy, Yideg Nethery and Hamish Smith on this significant achievement.
We also acknowledged the Captains and 1st teams for the Term 3 GPS competitions. Congratulations to Harry Vella (Rugby Union), Zac Bosuen (Basketball) and Henry Kennedy (Chess). We have more than 1,100 boys involved in GPS competition this term and we wish all our teams the best for the season ahead. Our standards and expectations for behaviour and support on Saturday are also set high. We look forward to performances, on and off the field, which consistently match these expectations.
The return to school was marked by Monday’s parent, teacher and student conferences. The thousands of 10 minute conversations are important opportunities to ensure that students are focused on the main game and on the academic challenge that lies ahead this term. This time spent talking and reflecting on the success and failure of the past semester is critical to the final outcome of the school year in November when reports are compiled. It was pleasing to witness the amount of time that was wisely spent on working together in planning and preparing for the remainder of the year. I acknowledge and thank the teaching staff for their commitment and time dedicated to this important day.
Finally, I welcome the new families who have joined the community over the holidays. We hope that these first few days and weeks of settling into the school go well for our newest Nudgee College men.
With every best wish for the week ahead.
Mr Peter Fullagar
Principal